Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
DEREK
I stare at the spot where Danny disappeared, my body still humming from her touch.The ghost of her kiss burns on my lips, and my hands remember the curve of her waist and the softness of her skin.
I grab my discarded sweater from the floor, her scent clinging to the fabric.Some things never change. Like how she still gasps when I kiss that spot behind her ear, or how perfectly she fits against me, or the way she says my name when--
I head to the kitchen, desperate for something stronger than wine.Aunt Sue keeps bourbon and the other good stuff she saves for special occasions in the top cabinet.Finding Danny in my arms again after four years probably qualifies.
The first sip burns, but not as much as the memory of her grinding against me or her hands mapping my chest like she was trying to memorize every change.Like she was comparing the man I've become to the boy she used to love.
Thunder rumbles outside, and rain lashes against the windows, the storm matching my mood.
My phone buzzes. A text from my executive assistant, Marcus, appears about Monday's merger meeting.
Marcus:
Need the final numbers for the Thompson deal.
Four years ago, this would have sent me rushing to my laptop.Now, looking at Danny's closed door, the multi-million dollar deal feels meaningless.
Me:
I'll handle it tomorrow.
Marcus:
Since when do you put anything before work?
Since the only woman I've ever loved came crashing back into my life.Since I realized no corner office could fill the Danny-shaped hole in my chest.
Me:
Right now.
Another crack of thunder, and the lights flicker.From down the hall, I hear the soft murmur of Danny's voice, probably comforting Scout.She always did have a way of making everyone feel safe.
The bourbon isn't helping. Neither is the lingering heat in my blood, or the way I can still feel her nails scratching down my abs.She always did like leaving her mark.
I should sleep. Should try to forget how close we came to crossing that line.But all I can think about is the way she whispered "prove it" before kissing me.How her eyes flashed with the same fire that used to fuel her best paintings.
She wants proof? I'll spend every damn day showing her I'm not that stupid kid anymore.That I finally understand what matters.
Starting tomorrow.
But first, I need to survive this night with the taste of her still on my tongue and four years of longing burning under my skin.
I take another sip of bourbon, listening to the storm rage.Somewhere down the hall, Danny's probably lying awake too, fighting the same battle between heart and head.Scout's probably curled up beside her, offering the comfort I wish I could give.
At least, I hope she's as restless as I am.Because if I'm the only one coming undone here...
I head to the bathroom, my skin flushed and body aching with need.The small room still holds traces of Danny's presence from earlier.There's a damp towel, and the lingering scent of her body wash.It's intoxicating.
I strip off my clothes and step into the shower, twisting the knob to cold.But even the shock of icy water can't quell my desire.Images of Danny flood my mind unbidden.Water sluicing over her curves, rivulets streaming between her breasts...
I groan and fist my hardening cock, the need too strong to ignore anylonger.Reaching for her shower gel, I squeeze a dollop into mypalm.The crisp, familiar fragrance envelops me as my hand strokes myshaft.
I imagine Danny here with me, her slick body pressed against my back, her breathy little moans in my ear as her hand joinsmine.Stroking, caressing, building the pressure coiled tight in mygroin.
"Fuck, I want you," fantasy Danny rasps, teeth scraping myearlobe."I've always wantedyou."
My hand moves faster, chasing release. I picture her warm hands roaming my chest as I plunge into her heat, her head thrown back in a blissful state of ecstasy. Pleasure builds, reaching its peak before exploding through me like a tidal wave. Every nerve in my body tingles with pleasure as the overwhelming rush of euphoria consumes me.
"Danny," I moan brokenly, cum spurting over my fist to swirl down thedrain.But my release is hollow, only a pale shadow of what Icrave.
The real thing. I need Danny.I need us.